title: Piloting of an oral health education program and knowledge test for midwives.
abstract: Abstract Research shows limited emphasis being placed on oral health by midwives in Australia and the need for further education in this area. The study aim was to pilot a midwifery oral health education program and knowledge test and identify any flaws in its content and design. Twenty two midwives from an antenatal ward in South-western Sydney completed the program and 12 feedback forms/knowledge tests were returned. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Feedback data showed all midwives appreciated that the program was available online and self-paced. Most found the program extremely informative and following completion were more confident in promoting maternal oral health. The mean correct responses in the knowledge test was 79 % (SD=12.3) which suggests most items were suitable for assessing knowledge improvement. However, in 3 items midwives had low correct responses. Various aspects that could be improved or clarified were identified and suggestions discussed.
authors.affiliation: Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Applied Nursing Research, University of Western Sydney South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD)/Ingham Institute Applied Medical Research. Email: ajesh.george@sswahs.nsw.gov.au.
authors.forename: Ajesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duff
authors.forename: Maree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dahlen
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blinkhorn
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Shilpi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ajwani
authors.forename: Sameer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhole